How To Replace Brake Pads Copyright AA1Car Replacing a set of brake pads is a
common brake repair procedure. But if not done correctly,it can cause problems.
Brake systems are very sensitive to rust and corrosion and should receive a
thorough cleaning when new pads are installed. Residual rust or corrosion left
in critical areas can cause brake issues almost immediately. The basic procedure
for replacing the front brake pads goes as follows: your vehicle on a level
surface,set the parking brake and place the transmission in Park (in gear if
manual shift). Then loosen the lug nuts while the weight of the vehicle is still
on the wheels launch
x431 pro plus. Do NOT remove the lugs nuts yet! the vehicle with a floor
jack until the front wheels are off the ground. Support the vehicle with TWO
safety stands. Do NOT rely on the jack alone to support the vehicle. 3. Remove
the lug nuts and remove the wheel from the hub. 4. Determine how the brake
calipers are mounted,and remove the pins or bolts that hold the calipers in
place. On some applications,you can remove one pin or bolt and rotate the
caliper up away from the rotor to replace the pads. On others,both bolts must be
removed so the caliper can be lifted up and away from the rotor to change the
pads. CAUTION: Do NOT allow the calipers to hand by their hoses as this may
damage the hoses. Rest the calipers on a suspension component (if possible) or
support them with a piece of heavy wire. 5. Remove the inner and outer pads from
the caliper. They may be held in place with wires or clips. Be careful not to
damage these clips. Save them for reuse when the new pads are installed. 6. Once
the pads have been removed from the calipers,inspect the calipers carefully to
make sure they are not leaking any fluid,and that the piston dust seals are not
cracked or damaged. If a caliper is leaking,it will have to be replaced or
rebuilt with new piston seals. Cracked dust seals should also be replaced to
help protect the pistons. 7. Use a large C-clamp to carefully push the caliper
pistons back into the calipers. This is necessary so there will be enough
clearance for the new (thicker) brake pads. It may be necessary to remove some
fluid from the master brake reservoir so it does not overflow when the pistons
are pushed back into the calipers as this will displace brake fluid back to the
master cylinder. the new inner and outer brake pads into the calipers. Replace
any shims,springs or clips that were used with the original pads to hold them in
place (unless new hardware or shims came with the new pads,in which case discard
the old shims or hardware and replace with new). Apply a light coating of moly
based brake lubricant (never ordinary grease) to the BACKS of the pads and to
the points where they contact or rest against the calipers. Do NOT get any
grease on the front (friction side) of the pads as this will ruin the pads and
cause uneven braking maxitpms. the
caliper mounts and pins,and reinstall the pins or bolts,slide the caliper back
into place over the rotor and tighten the mounting bolts to specifications with
a torque wrench. If the original pins,bushings or bolts are badly corroded or
damaged,replace them with new. Do NOT reuse badly corroded or damaged mounting
hardware. 9. Remount the wheels on the hubs,tighten the lug nuts,then lower the
vehicle until the tires are on the ground and final tighten the lug nuts to
specifications with a torque wrench using an alternating star pattern (necessary
for even loading and to prevent rotor distortion). 10. Start the engine and pump
the brake pedal several times until the pedal feels firm. Carefully inspect brake pad abutments for wear or
damage Hub assemblies. Use a polishing pad to clean rust from the hub face. Then
use an over-the-stud hub cleaner to get in next to the studs. Leaving corrosion
in these areas is one of the top causes for pulsations after a brake job is
completed. Mounting Pads. One area that is often overlooked is the mounting pad
on the hub that mates with the wheel. If there is rust or debris on this
surface,it can lead to rotor distortion and pulsations just as easily as if it
were left on the hub. Rotors. New or machined rotors should be washed with
soap,warm water and a stiff brush to remove metal particles from the surface. If
this final step is not taken,brake noise may likely result. It can also prevent
proper filming of the rotor which will keep the new parts from getting their
expected mileage. Bendix also recommends you clean the rear calipers and drum
and parking brake systems. All these components should receive a good
cleaning,inspection,lubrication and adjustment before the vehicle hits the
road.
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